Hello all, Carmine DeChristopher here from Cinnaminson, NJ USA. I am interested in N-scale railroad modeling, to which I am brand new. I have some experience with O-scale modeling, having owned a Lionel set since I was about 8 years old (circa 1973). It's a run-of-the-mill set, probably from Sears, with no particular value except sentimental, but it still runs. I use that set during the holidays at home, although I have plans to make that setup permanent (and that's another discussion). My plan for the N-scale is to set it up in my office at work. So I have a few questions. From the research I've done so far it seems that Kato is the best N-scale manufacturer, however their selection of steam locomotives (to which I am very partial) is very limited. They do list two on their website, the FEF-3 & GS-4. I like the look of the FEF-3 but would really love it if Kato did a 4-8-8-4 Big Boy. It seems that only Athearn does those and they won't be available until next year (and they are very expensive). I know Athearn produced Big Boys in the past. Any opinion on the quality of those vs the price? How about opinions on the Kato FEF-3's? Also, I would like suggestions for a starter rail set. I'm looking at Kato's M2 Unitrack set but I can't tell if it has a re-railer included, or should I just buy one separately? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!
Welcome to TrainBoard Carmine! The Kato FEF-3 is an excellent locomotive and Kato does have plans for a N scale 4-8-8-4 Big Boy but no release date has been set yet. I don't have any personal experience with the Athearn N scale Big Boy so I will leave that to others. I do highly recommend the Kato Unitrack. There are several good loco manufacturers out there so I'm sure you will find something that works for you .
Welcome, Carmine. I used to do N scale. (now on a wild hair 1/384 venture.) I had a Bachmann undecorated 2-8-0 I liked. It stopped working. I sent in in to Bachmann. They decided to replace it and not repair. They did not have an undecorated so I got a Seaboard back at no cost but shipping(?) charge. $25 I think. In the end, I did not use it for long due to moving and the new project.